Humphreys heads for Scotland

Former Welsh hooker Jonathan Humphreys has been appointed Scotland's forwards coach.

"I'm very excited by the challenge of working with the Scotland players and management and building on the very solid foundations that are in place," said Humphreys after signing a two-year contract.

Humphreys will leave the Ospreys when his current contract expires at the end of the season.

Former Wales captain Humphreys, who joined the region in the summer of 2005, will exit the Liberty Stadium next month after eight years with the Ospreys to pursue other opportunities in the game.

Appointed shortly after the region had claimed its first Celtic League title, during his time as an Osprey Humphreys helped the team towards a further three league successes and EDF Energy Cup Final win over Leicester at Twickenham in 2008.

He played a part in the development of a host of international class forwards who have come through the pathway at the region, with the Ospreys now renowned as a centre of excellence in terms of forward development.

Humphreys said: "It's with a heavy heart I'm confirming that I am leaving the Ospreys after eight years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ospreys for everything that they have done for me. They gave me the opportunity to coach at the top level and have stuck by me through a lot of change and upheaval.

"I'm extremely proud of the trophies that we have won but I am even more proud of the players that we have developed to represent Wales and the Lions. I feel extremely fortunate to have coached the calibre of player that I have had at my disposal and to see them grow to go on to play international rugby."

British & Irish Lions trio Leigh Halfpenny, Liam Williams and Dan Biggar return to the Wales starting line-up for Saturday's crucial NatWest 6 Nations encounter in Dublin against Ireland where Warren Gatland's men will be seeking their second scalp of the campaign.

Wales forward coach Robin McBryde has given Welsh fans a major boost ahead of this weekend's vital NatWest 6 Nations clash by declaring "Everybody has been given the green light," with injured trio Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny all back in training.

The Wales squad met back up this morning to prepare for the clash against England - WRU TV caught up with Neil Jenkins who said the squad were under no illusions for their next task but a trip to Twickenham doesn't hold any fears for a confident Wales side.

Wales hooker Ken Owens was delighted to get the NatWest 6 Nations off to a flying start with a convincing win against Scotland, where he says the squad were determined to deliver a performance 'from minute one.'

Just two days until the NatWest 6 Nations kicks off. George North takes WRU TV around the players area at Principality Stadium after going through security - which fans will have to do on Saturday. Gates open at 11.15 - don't leave it late!

Next in the series of #TheTeamRoom we listen in to the first leadership group in camp. The players were asked to nominate their peers who they wanted to represent them on the group and we hear what Warren and the players have to say.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland was in a positive frame of mind at today's NatWest 6 Nations launch but admitted the opening clash in Cardiff was a 'massive' game as everyone is talking about the rise of Scotland.

Head coach Warren Gatland has selected two uncapped players - James Davies and Josh Adams - in his 39-man squad for the 2018 NatWest Six Nations. Ospreys second row Alun Wyn Jones will once again be his captain.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland revealed that he was satisfied with the two wins from four games during the autumn's Under Armour Series. WRU TV recaps the matches against Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The following players have been released back to their respective regions for action this weekend and will link back up with the Wales national squad following the conclusion of their regional commitments.